Curious About Shark Leather Straps

Posts

8,999

Likes

46,217

gbesq

·Jun 19, 2024

Shark leather is a material that I've often wondered about but have never purchased a strap using this material. For those of you who have shark leather straps, I'd like to hear your thoughts on them. Durable? Attractive? Waterproof? Do they bite? 😁

 

Posts

25

Likes

70

Guggenheim

·Jun 19, 2024

I have a black shark leather strap on my Ebel Voyager. The one I have is durable and looks good but I have not tested its reaction with water which is also due to the fact that its underside is calf leather.

 

Posts

3,553

Likes

5,998

Vercingetorix

·Jun 19, 2024·Spam Risk

Shark or electrocution?

 

Posts

11,313

Likes

19,811

Davidt

·Jun 19, 2024

I’d want to be sure that any shark skin was from a sustainable source before I supported its use.

 

Posts

8,999

Likes

46,217

gbesq

·Jun 19, 2024

Davidt

I’d want to be sure that any shark skin was from a sustainable source before I supported its use.

I agree. The sellers that I have reviewed all note that their sharkskin straps are ethically sourced and from sustainable sources. I would imagine that it's not much different than cow leather where most hides are sourced from the food industry so that little of the animal is wasted. In other words, I would think that the hides are sourced from sharks taken by commercial fishing where, at least in the United States, there are regulations restricting the numbers and types of sharks that can be legally harvested.

 

Posts

751

Likes

1,332

Braindrain

·Jun 19, 2024

gbesq

Shark leather is a material that I've often wondered about but have never purchased a strap using this material. For those of you who have shark leather straps, I'd like to hear your thoughts on them. Durable? Attractive? Waterproof? Do they bite? 😁

I had an OEM JLC shark that I never wore. It is thicker than cow leather and not as flexible. Also, while my JLC was "sporty", the shark just wasn't a right fit for it. Too sporty? I don't know, it just didn't seem to match.

I buy a ton of custom straps, but have never bought a sharkie again after that.

 

Posts

1,404

Likes

6,535

duc

·Jun 19, 2024

I bought a sharpskin strap from 7strap (info available on line). I think they come from Viet Nam, but don't recall. I do recall the quality is good, but the after purchase communications was poor. They (she) finally delivered, but it took a long time in my estimation.

Pictures later, when I get home.

EDIT: I haven't completely forgotten, but I did forget to do this last evening. I have the pictures and will get them up when I have some free time today.

Edited: Jun 20, 2024

 

Posts

1,404

Likes

6,535

duc

·Jun 20, 2024

Ok, here we are. The strap is from 7Straps and the clasp Straphabit. Someone did a compare and contrast with the Artem equivalent clasp (which costs considerably more). I have both and can absolutely confirm, the Straphabit clasp is equal to the Artem in quality:

I haven't used the strap much, as I bought it for my PO, which I find myself wearing on the rubber or metal bracelet most of the time. I haven't tried it, but I may see if it will work on a 2254. The quality of the material is excellent. I was hoping for more pronounced ribs, similar to the Omega style from a few years ago. This one has the ribs, but they are kind of low profile.

Lastly, it's as safe as can be. No bites yet 😉

 

D

Posts

211

Likes

124

drster

·Jun 20, 2024

I have had a couple shark straps. I don't really like the look of them. Even waterproof straps still get wet and react with water so I never wear them in water.

 

Posts

4,816

Likes

14,413

DaveK

·Jun 20, 2024·Yoda of Yodelers

I have a vintage Bulova sharkskin strap. It has held up incredibly well, but is still stiff and so not my favourite.

 

Posts

12,926

Likes

51,679

Larry S

·Jun 20, 2024·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Given the issues with by catch and over fishing, I would not own a sharkskin anything. Once ate shark-fin soup unknowingly at a fancy dinner in Taiwan after watching a documentary about this issue on the plane. It was disgusting BTW.

 

Posts

2,024

Likes

4,120

RevZMan123

·Jun 20, 2024

I have a vintage piece but it seems really durable.